101 Justice Denied
Advocacy Bites
Renee and Susan discuss the ongoing Leandro Case. In this episode of Advocacy Bites, hosts Renee Sekel and Susan Book confront a sobering question: What is the value of a constitutional right if it cannot be enforced? Sparked by national conversations with education advocates and legal experts, this episode delivers an unflinching examination of how justice is delayed—and effectively denied—in North Carolina’s public education system. Renee revisits the Leandro case, focusing on the 2022 Supreme Court decision and the years of inaction that followed after a partisan shift in the...
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100 Advocacy Bites Turns 100!
Advocacy Bites
Renee and Susan celebrate our milestone 100th episode with a discussion of corruption and primaries. In this milestone 100th episode of Advocacy Bites, hosts Renee Sekel and Susan Book celebrate four years of conversations about what it truly means to be an everyday advocate. From grassroots wins to tough legislative battles, this episode looks back at the moments that shaped the show — and the movement behind it. Renee and Susan share their favorite memories, from deep-dive episodes like the NC lottery breakdown to the unforgettable “Futurama Committee” series that perfectly...
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99 Winning In Big Ways And Small Ways
Advocacy Bites
Renee and Susan discuss the 2025 elections from national and local perspectives. In this episode of Advocacy Bites, they break down a week filled with big wins, surprising momentum, and a whole lot of hope for everyday advocates. From sweeping Democratic victories across the country to record-breaking turnout in local Wake County races, Renee and Susan explore what these results mean for communities, educators, families, and grassroots organizers in North Carolina and beyond. Renee reflects on the national landscape — including major shifts in Virginia, New Jersey, and Maine — and...
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98 Special Education From National News to Local Perspectives
Advocacy Bites
In this episode of Advocacy Bites, hosts Renee Sekel and Susan Book detail what Susan is seeing on the local level and how that relates to national issues in special education. We dive deep into the state of special education—from alarming local stories in Wake County to the broader national challenges facing students with disabilities. Susan shares her family’s personal journey through the trauma of restraint and seclusion practices in schools, shedding light on the policies, data gaps, and systemic failures that continue to harm vulnerable students. Together, Renee and Susan...
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97 The Problem of Nothing?
Advocacy Bites
Susan discusses Medicaid cut impacts on our families and schools while Renee does a deep dive on what is going on with the University system. In this episode of Advocacy Bites, hosts Renee Sekel and Susan Book dig into what happens when the North Carolina legislature simply… does nothing. From stalled Medicaid funding to the growing crisis in the UNC university system, this conversation exposes how legislative inaction and political meddling are creating real harm for students, families, educators, and care workers across the state. Susan unpacks how the General Assembly’s failure to...
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96 Free Speech and Financial Management
Advocacy Bites
Susan and Renee discuss the current free speech situation in the US, and the current financial situation in Winston Salem/Forsyth County public schools. Stay connected at:
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95 Justice Denied
Advocacy Bites
Renee and Susan talk about the legislature’s failure to pass a budget (again), as well as the lengthy delay in the Leandro case. Stay connected at
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94 Back To School
Advocacy Bites
Renee and Susan discuss back to school tips and tricks Stay connected at:
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93 Advocacy Glossary
Advocacy Bites
Renee and Susan review some of the terms used in advocacy and election volunteering. Stay connected at:
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92 Deep Thoughts by Susan and Renee
Advocacy Bites
Renee and Susan muse over some of the big ideas and feelings that have been floating in their heads recently. There may also be some light emotional breakdowns. Notes: Outclassed: How the Left Lost the Working Class and How to Win Them Back Author: Joan C. Williams
info_outlineRenee and Susan discuss the 2025 elections from national and local perspectives. In this episode of Advocacy Bites, they break down a week filled with big wins, surprising momentum, and a whole lot of hope for everyday advocates. From sweeping Democratic victories across the country to record-breaking turnout in local Wake County races, Renee and Susan explore what these results mean for communities, educators, families, and grassroots organizers in North Carolina and beyond.
Renee reflects on the national landscape — including major shifts in Virginia, New Jersey, and Maine — and what these wins say about voters pushing back on divisive policies, book bans, and attacks on marginalized communities. Susan brings the focus home, celebrating the surge of municipal engagement, the impact of the No Kings movement, and the growing desire for connection, community, and unconventional organizing.
Together, they dig into:
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Why this election cycle felt different — and more hopeful
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How community-driven actions like rallies, walkouts, and local collaborations are reshaping advocacy
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What Gen Z and grassroots volunteers are doing that traditional political structures often miss
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Why disagreement, experimentation, and “just trying stuff” are powerful tools for change
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How advocates can keep the momentum alive through 2026 — without burning out
This episode is a reminder that victories—big and small—matter. And that you don’t need permission, a polished strategy, or perfect alignment to make a difference. You just need hope, community, and the willingness to act.
👉 Today’s To-Do: Celebrate the wins. Remember this feeling. Harness this hope. And then go do good things.
Stay connected at: https://saveourschoolsnc.org/